Harvester report highlights fault

The report highlights the Harvester's bilge alarm problems

The official report into the Solway Harvester tragedy says a faulty bilge alarm meant the crew was probably unaware the boat was letting in water.

The Scots scallop dredger sank off the coast of the Isle of Man on 11 January 2000 with the loss of all seven crew.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report says the men were unlikely to have known that their fish room was taking in water.

It concludes that the weight of water on board made a capsize "inevitable".

Last May, the trawler's owner Richard Gidney was cleared of manslaughter in connection with the sinking.

In its final report the MAIB states: "During the trial in the Isle of Man, an alternative theory was put forward by the defence.

It is probable that those on board were unaware she was taking water into the fish room until, probably, a few minutes before the accident MAIB report

"This suggested that Solway Harvester could have capsized because the scallop bags, stowed in her fish room, shifted without the presence of water.

"This dry capsize scenario has been carefully evaluated, but is not considered sustainable by the MAIB; it would not, in any case, affect the conclusions or recommendations of this investigation."

As the boat sought shelter from bad weather conditions the report says the faulty alarm would have meant the crew, from the Isle of Whithorn, were unlikely to have known they were in danger until very late.

'Heavy rolling'

The MAIB says: "The investigation found that her bilge alarm was not functioning prior to the accident.

"Without this, it is probable that those on board were unaware she was taking water into the fish room until, probably, a few minutes before the accident.

"It also found that the bilge pumping arrangements were not working as intended.

"With about six to nine tonnes of water in her fish room, evidence of a shift in weight on board, the failure of her watertight integrity and the effects of heavy rolling meant she lost her stability. A capsize was inevitable."